ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sized

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsaɪzd// UK //sˈaɪzd// sized

v. to look at someone or something carefully to decide how big, strong, or good they are. You often use this when you are trying to understand a situation or a person you just met.

v. to assess or evaluate the dimensions, quality, or character of someone or something. Often used in the phrasal form 'size up' to indicate a preliminary or competitive appraisal.


SIMPLE

The boxer sized up his opponent before the fight started.

CONTEXTUAL

The recruiter sat quietly for a moment, carefully sizing up the candidate's confidence before asking the next difficult question.

COMPLEX

Experienced investors spent weeks sizing up the startup's potential for growth before committing any significant capital to the venture.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From size + -ed.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; it is most frequently encountered as part of the phrasal verb 'size up'.

Pitfall

he sized about the roomhe sized up the roomWhen used to mean 'evaluate', the verb requires the particle 'up' to form a phrasal verb.

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